While I love making wearable projects like hats and scarves, I also enjoy making 3D creations like amigurumi crocheted sculptures or pillows. But sometimes I run out of stuffing and don’t want to stop crocheting! (Or don’t have the money to buy more.) Today I’m going to share some alternative materials I use to stuff my projects; this list could come in handy if you want to save money, upcycle, or don’t have time to run to the store.
I started experimenting with alternative stuffings in the 8th grade when I took a trip to Mexico. At some point during the two day van ride, I decided I wanted to make a doll. Without any stuffing available, I made do with napkins from McDonalds! That’s an extreme example, but here are seven alternative sources to fulfill your stuffing needs.
1. Old Pillows
2. Old Blankets or Quilts
3. Old Toys
4. Fabric
5. Plastic Grocery Bags
6. Yarn Scraps
7. Paper Scraps
1. Old Pillows
I got this idea when an old lumpy pillow split a seam and leaked stuffing all over my bed. Turns out there’s a lot of good stuffing in a pillow, and I was able to work the lumps out of my upcycled filling. I found the stuffing in my pillows to be very similar to the stuffing I buy in stores, but I’m not sure how feather pillows would work.
2. Old Blankets or Quilts
Thick, comforter type blankets have stuffing sewn into them, so a blanket with holes or stains could hold a lot of raw materials for you to work with. I always consider crafting possibilities before throwing something away!
3. Old Toys
As with pillows and blankets, old plush toys can be upcycled for their stuffing. All you need is a pair of scissors. (Please don’t chop up a child’s favorite toy for its stuffing, even if you are making them a new toy. I don’t want to be responsible for traumatizing anyone.)
4. Fabric
Fabric scraps that are too small to be useful for sewing could be perfect for stuffing your next project. Either wad them up or cut the fabric into small squares and strips to fill your project!
5. Plastic Grocery Bags
This stuffing isn’t as cuddly as the ones I’ve already mentioned, but it will gain you some green points for upcycling. This provides a stiffer feeling than fabric based stuffing, so I like to use it for items that are meant for display rather than play. Just cut your grocery bags into strips or manageable scraps and fill your project! Your project will make a crinkling sound when squeezed.
6. Yarn Scraps
I hate throwing away yarn, even the tiny leftover scraps that are too small to crochet with. But if you save up enough yarn scraps you can use them as stuffing! Try using a bag or box to hold your scraps instead of the trash. Once you get into the habit, you’ll have reached a new level of thriftiness!
7. Paper Scraps
While projects stuffed with paper can’t be washed, paper is still a viable filling option for many projects. All that junk mail could be a free supply for your next project! I first used paper while on a mission trip to Mexico; stopping at a craft store wasn’t an option so I used paper napkins to stuff a doll. I’m not the only one to do this. I’ve seen several art exhibits with pillows stuffed with papers from books and newspapers. Just shred, crumple, and fill!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
7 Ways to Save Money on Yarn
Hobby Lobby is a dangerous place for me. I go in intending to buy one skein of yarn and come out with a $60 armful of various craft supplies. Most of which is yarn. I admit it. I have a yarn addiction.
Sometimes I envy crafters who sew. Fabric is so easy to find! All it takes is a trip to the thrift store (or even your closet), and you can find tons of clothes, sheets and other items just begging to be upcycled. For cheap or free!
My friend Whitney is the master of thrifting upcycle-worthy fabric. Check out her Blog at http://www.whitneysews.blogspot.com and Webshow at http://www.youtube.com/aglanceatmyworld for tips about upcycling fabric as well as other sewing and thrifting tutorials.
Yarn, on the other hand, is more difficult to find. I’ve yet to discover a consistent, upcycle ready source of cheap yarn. Believe me, if it was out there I would have twice as much yarn as I do now.
If you know of a good source of cheap yarn, please tell me your secrets! If not, I’ve got a few tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the years to help feed my addiction. Maybe it can help you save money on yours.
7 Ways to Save Money on Yarn
1. Thrift Stores and Garage Sales
2. Friends and Family
3. Gifts
4. Sales
5. Deconstruct Clothes
6. Deconstruct Old Projects
7. Nontraditional Materials
Let’s look at these in more detail.
1. Thrift Stores and Garage Sales
For some mysterious reason still unknown to me, people sometimes donate yarn to thrift stores or sell it at garage sales. My guess is that they started a project, got frustrated, and decided to get rid of it. Their loss can be your gain if you get lucky. Still, if you’re a regular thrifter or are going to garage sales anyway, take a minute to look for yarn and other craft supplies.
2. Friends and Family
People you know may have yarn just sitting around. Maybe they started a project and got bored. Maybe they inherited it from someone else. But a quick Facebook post letting people know that you wouldn’t mind having their old yarn could give them the chance to free up space in their closet. Once word gets out that you like yarn, the less crafty may start showering you with it. Of course, this depends on who you know. Please don’t annoy your DIY friends by begging for their yarn. You could, however, arrange a craft supply trade.
3. Gifts
Birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries could bring you yarn instead of lotion, perfume or jewelry. Just make it known that you like yarn. A few well-placed hints might also be in order. Again, don’t annoy your friends and family by telling them what to get you. But if they’re having trouble choosing they might appreciate a go-to gift they know you will like.
WARNING: This could easily backfire. Drop enough hints, and you may get nothing but yarn for the next forty years. Depending on how much storage room you have, you might turn into one of those poor souls forced to sell yarn at a garage sale because you have no room for it.
4. Sales
Craft stores have sales sometimes, and you might be able to catch a good deal on yarn if you’re willing to watch for it. I use these opportunities to stock up on staple colors like black and white. Just don’t go overboard.
5. Deconstruct Clothes
Old sweaters, scarves and hats, depending on their stitch, can be unraveled for yarn. However, this can be a time consuming process, and the yarn will probably be kinked. Look for pieces with big blocks of solid knit or crocheted fabric. Small pieces sewn together means more work and less yarn.
6. Deconstruct Old Projects.
Maybe something you made a long time ago didn’t turn out quite right. Personally I find unraveling my hard work a little heart breaking, but if you crochet constantly like I do, you probably have a lot of yarn sitting in your closet in the form of projects that weren’t quite up to standard. You can also unravel other people’s projects. (Please don’t unravel historical pieces or pieces that have a lot of sentimental value for your family.) But sometimes old projects end up in thrift stores and garage sales. An old blanket could get you a lot of yarn!
7. Nontraditional Materials
To knit or crochet, you just need a long strand of something. It could be spun fiber like traditional yarn, or you could make your own out of Wal-Mart bags or old clothes. Cut strips, tie them together, and voila! This is a time consuming process, but you could end up with some interesting textures if you have patience and willingness to experiment. I’ve heard of people making hats out of crocheted Wal-Mart bags, but I’ve only ever made a beach bag. If you make yarn out of fabric be aware of stretch, fraying, and the width of the strips you cut. You may want to invest in a large needle as your homemade yarn will likely end up thicker than what you buy at the store.
Good luck! How do you save money on craft supplies?
Sometimes I envy crafters who sew. Fabric is so easy to find! All it takes is a trip to the thrift store (or even your closet), and you can find tons of clothes, sheets and other items just begging to be upcycled. For cheap or free!
My friend Whitney is the master of thrifting upcycle-worthy fabric. Check out her Blog at http://www.whitneysews.blogspot.com and Webshow at http://www.youtube.com/aglanceatmyworld for tips about upcycling fabric as well as other sewing and thrifting tutorials.
Yarn, on the other hand, is more difficult to find. I’ve yet to discover a consistent, upcycle ready source of cheap yarn. Believe me, if it was out there I would have twice as much yarn as I do now.
If you know of a good source of cheap yarn, please tell me your secrets! If not, I’ve got a few tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the years to help feed my addiction. Maybe it can help you save money on yours.
7 Ways to Save Money on Yarn
1. Thrift Stores and Garage Sales
2. Friends and Family
3. Gifts
4. Sales
5. Deconstruct Clothes
6. Deconstruct Old Projects
7. Nontraditional Materials
Let’s look at these in more detail.
1. Thrift Stores and Garage Sales
For some mysterious reason still unknown to me, people sometimes donate yarn to thrift stores or sell it at garage sales. My guess is that they started a project, got frustrated, and decided to get rid of it. Their loss can be your gain if you get lucky. Still, if you’re a regular thrifter or are going to garage sales anyway, take a minute to look for yarn and other craft supplies.
2. Friends and Family
People you know may have yarn just sitting around. Maybe they started a project and got bored. Maybe they inherited it from someone else. But a quick Facebook post letting people know that you wouldn’t mind having their old yarn could give them the chance to free up space in their closet. Once word gets out that you like yarn, the less crafty may start showering you with it. Of course, this depends on who you know. Please don’t annoy your DIY friends by begging for their yarn. You could, however, arrange a craft supply trade.
3. Gifts
Birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries could bring you yarn instead of lotion, perfume or jewelry. Just make it known that you like yarn. A few well-placed hints might also be in order. Again, don’t annoy your friends and family by telling them what to get you. But if they’re having trouble choosing they might appreciate a go-to gift they know you will like.
WARNING: This could easily backfire. Drop enough hints, and you may get nothing but yarn for the next forty years. Depending on how much storage room you have, you might turn into one of those poor souls forced to sell yarn at a garage sale because you have no room for it.
4. Sales
Craft stores have sales sometimes, and you might be able to catch a good deal on yarn if you’re willing to watch for it. I use these opportunities to stock up on staple colors like black and white. Just don’t go overboard.
5. Deconstruct Clothes
Old sweaters, scarves and hats, depending on their stitch, can be unraveled for yarn. However, this can be a time consuming process, and the yarn will probably be kinked. Look for pieces with big blocks of solid knit or crocheted fabric. Small pieces sewn together means more work and less yarn.
6. Deconstruct Old Projects.
Maybe something you made a long time ago didn’t turn out quite right. Personally I find unraveling my hard work a little heart breaking, but if you crochet constantly like I do, you probably have a lot of yarn sitting in your closet in the form of projects that weren’t quite up to standard. You can also unravel other people’s projects. (Please don’t unravel historical pieces or pieces that have a lot of sentimental value for your family.) But sometimes old projects end up in thrift stores and garage sales. An old blanket could get you a lot of yarn!
7. Nontraditional Materials
To knit or crochet, you just need a long strand of something. It could be spun fiber like traditional yarn, or you could make your own out of Wal-Mart bags or old clothes. Cut strips, tie them together, and voila! This is a time consuming process, but you could end up with some interesting textures if you have patience and willingness to experiment. I’ve heard of people making hats out of crocheted Wal-Mart bags, but I’ve only ever made a beach bag. If you make yarn out of fabric be aware of stretch, fraying, and the width of the strips you cut. You may want to invest in a large needle as your homemade yarn will likely end up thicker than what you buy at the store.
Good luck! How do you save money on craft supplies?
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